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Vaccines

Governor McKee Announces Measures to Ensure Continued Access to COVID-19 Vaccine in Rhode Island

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Dan McKee has taken swift action to ensure that all Rhode Islanders older than 6 months of age have continued access to the COVID-19 vaccine. In response to efforts by the federal government that have created uncertainty around vaccine access, Governor McKee directed the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to issue a bulletin to insurers requiring coverage for all patients older than 6 months. Additionally, RIDOH has issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to all patients who are 3 years of age and older, independent of FDA indications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Dan McKee has directed the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to issue a bulletin to insurers requiring coverage for all patients older than 6 months.
  • The bulletin requires that the COVID-19 vaccine be available for everyone 6 months of age and older, in accordance with recommendations from major medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
  • RIDOH has issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to all patients who are 3 years of age and older, independent of FDA indications.
  • Pharmacies may still set their own vaccination criteria and may require clients to self-attest to either being at least 65 years of age or having a condition that puts them at higher risk for COVID-19.
  • Most Rhode Islanders will get their COVID-19 vaccine through their primary care provider, at a health center, or at a pharmacy, with the vaccine being available in the offices of primary care providers by the coming weeks.
  • People who are having difficulty accessing the COVID-19 vaccine can contact RIDOH at (401) 222-5960.
  • The Rhode Island Health Center Association, Rhode Island Medical Society, and Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics have expressed support for the Governor's decision to ensure full access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Statistics:

  • Over 220,000 Rhode Islanders are served by community health centers, including patients who are uninsured.
  • Rhode Island has some of the best overall vaccination rates in the country because vaccine access is prioritized and recommendations are based on science and data.
  • According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine is currently recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, prior to the makeup and practices of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices changing.

Sources:

  • Governor Dan McKee, "Governor McKee, Department of Health, and Health Insurance Commissioner Announce Actions to Protect Access to COVID-19 Vaccine in Rhode Island"
  • Rhode Island Department of Health, "COVID-19 Vaccine Information"
  • Rhode Island Health Center Association, "Statement Supporting Governor's Decision to Ensure Full Access to COVID-19 Vaccines"
  • Rhode Island Medical Society, "Statement Supporting State's Leadership in Ensuring Broad Access to COVID-19 Vaccine"
  • Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Statement Thanking Gov. McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health for Ensuring Access and Availability of COVID-19 Vaccines"

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